How to choose who to vote for?

Here is a general guide:

1. Understand what the municipal government is responsible for (see above) and the job of members of council
2. Make a list of issuesthat are important to you, your community and Ontario, for example:
   • climate change
   • housing
   • public transit
   • policing
   • job creation
3. Assess candidates’ platforms, promises and views
   • How well do they engage, listen, understand and act on the needs of residents?
   • background
   • education
   • work experience
   • community involvement and engagement
   • social media profiles for views and interests
   • all candidates debates and Q&As for promises and priorities
   • donations to federal and provincial political parties and candidates
4. Compare what each candidate says they will do to address each issue.
5. Review incumbents’ past performance (what did they actuallydid)
   • voting record
   • committees served on
   • meeting attendance
   • motions introduced
6. Compare what each incumbent says they will do to address the issue.
7. Contact candidate(s) and ask about issues they haven’t addressed.